How we use a Blink camera and our WiFi solution to Monitor our Ranger Tug R27OB

Summary

In this video, the speaker demonstrates how they remotely monitor their boat using a combination of surveillance cameras and a battery monitoring system. The Blink cameras provide security with motion detection, while the Victron system monitors the boat’s battery health, solar power output, and temperature. Both systems are accessible through a 5G LTE connection, offering reliable internet for remote monitoring. The speaker compares 5G LTE to Starlink, highlighting the benefits of lower power consumption and better connectivity. This setup allows the speaker to keep track of the boat’s conditions, even when not on board, providing peace of mind and convenience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reliable boat monitoring can be achieved through a combination of video surveillance and battery monitoring systems.
• 🎥 Blink cameras are battery-powered, easy to install, and provide motion detection for security purposes, with low power usage.
• 🔋 Victron’s battery monitor system integrates various boat components, including solar output and temperature monitoring, for real-time updates.
• 🌐 Internet connectivity is essential for remote monitoring of the boat, using solutions like 5G, Starlink, or marina Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Remote monitoring can be done via smartphone apps, providing access to live footage, battery data, and system status from anywhere.
• 💡 5G connectivity is more efficient than Starlink for continuous use on the boat due to its lower power consumption and better coverage in urban areas.
• ⚡ Starlink's high power draw and limited performance under a roof make it less suitable for continuous boat monitoring.
• 🏖️ Video surveillance offers peace of mind, even when not on the boat, by providing insights into weather conditions, theft prevention, and general boat health.
• 🌡️ Temperature monitoring, including the cockpit and hot water tank, is essential for safety, especially during freezing conditions.
• 📊 Victron’s Servo GX system transmits data to Victron’s Remote Monitoring platform (VRM) every 15 minutes, ensuring low power usage while providing constant updates.
• 🔌 The 5G router used on the boat draws just 6 watts, making it a power-efficient solution for consistent monitoring without draining boat batteries.

Q & A

What are the main components of the boat's remote monitoring setup?

The main components include video surveillance cameras (Blink system), a battery monitoring system (Victron), a solar power system, temperature sensors, and a Wi-Fi internet solution for remote access.

How does the Blink camera system work on the boat?

The Blink camera system is battery-operated and connects wirelessly to a base station. It offers motion detection and allows remote monitoring via a smartphone, capturing both still images and live video of the cockpit and cabin.

What are the benefits of using a Victron battery monitor for the boat?

The Victron battery monitor helps track the health of the house battery, solar power output, and the temperature in the cockpit. It provides critical data when not connected to shore power and helps monitor the boat's battery usage and solar performance remotely.

Why is reliable internet important for remote monitoring of the boat?

Reliable internet is crucial because both the Blink cameras and Victron battery monitor require internet connections to transmit data. The setup enables remote monitoring from anywhere, providing peace of mind regarding security and the boat's systems.

What are the differences between 5G and Starlink for boat internet?

Starlink can be problematic in urban areas due to bandwidth congestion and struggles with signal under a roof. It also consumes more power. On the other hand, the 5G solution (Peplink router) uses less power and offers more reliable performance in diverse locations, making it a better option for ongoing monitoring.

What are the power consumption differences between Starlink and 5G on the boat?

Starlink consumes significantly more power, drawing about 7 times the energy of the 5G solution. The 5G router pulls around 6 watts, consuming approximately 144 watt-hours a day, while Starlink requires much more power if left on 24/7.

How does the Blink camera help with security and monitoring the boat?

The Blink camera provides motion detection and records footage whenever it detects movement. It offers peace of mind by allowing the boat owner to check for theft, monitor weather conditions, and ensure the safety of the boat and its surroundings, even when away.

What kind of battery life can be expected from the Blink cameras?

The Blink cameras are powered by four lithium batteries, with a typical lifespan of about two years, although this may be shorter depending on the frequency of use and motion detection activity.

What role does the Victron Servo GX play in the boat's monitoring system?

The Victron Servo GX acts as the central hub for monitoring various boat systems. It connects to the battery monitor, solar controller, and temperature sensors, transmitting data to the Victron Remote Management (VRM) platform every 15 minutes for remote access.

How does the boat's Wi-Fi solution support remote monitoring?

The Wi-Fi solution, based on a 5G Peplink router with dual SIM cards (AT&T and T-Mobile), ensures reliable internet access on the boat. It allows the Blink cameras and Victron systems to connect to the internet, enabling remote monitoring and data transmission even when the boat is far from shore.